a few basics worth checking . . .
choose a good toothpaste
Read labels! Avoid commercial toothpaste, which is laden with chemicals, preservatives and even sugar – none of which maintain a long-term, healthy oral scene.  Unfortunately, even “natural” brands are misleading and contain questionable ingredients.

Avoid toothpaste with SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulfate).  SLS lends good sudsing action but may cause gums to recede over time.

electric toothbrush
These contraptions rock! Getting way in the back and massaging gums is a very good thing.

tongue scraping
Sound strange? Most dentists say that at least 70% of bacteria in the mouth hangs out on our tongues, the main culprit of foul breath. Many people simply brush their tongue with a toothbrush, but even with thorough rinsing, the bacteria can find a new home on the toothbrush.

A tongue scraper is a handy tool for sanitarily scraping away unwanted bacteria and gunk.  Made from a flat strip of stainless steel bent into a long “U” shape, or out of hard-molded plastic, tongue scrapers can be purchased for a few bucks in most health-food stores.  I scrape my tongue every time I brush (why not be masterfully thorough?). If ever in a cinch, the edge of a metal spoon can be used. Handy.

toothpicks- tea tree oil and cinnamon
I am a big fan of Dessert Essence toothpicks – cinnamon my fave –
a handy oral fix and breath-freshener when brushing is inconvenient.

licorice root
Licorice root has been used for millennia as a natural toothbrush.
It is the authentic source of licorice-flavored candies and toothpaste.  Whole licorice root is usually available in sticks several inches long and tastes strongly sweet and earthy.  It freshens breath, whitens teeth, balances the blood sugar to tone the kidneys and can be used to scrub the teeth and stimulate the gums.  Yum, yay, pretty.